Writer Thomas | by AfterPost | 18 October 26
Turkey will take some of the diesel Russia is supplying to global markets under its agreement with US President Donald Trump, Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar said Sunday Oct 19 on Kanal 7. He did not specify volume. Reuters reported the deal is important for Turkey's energy security as Ankara depends on Russia, Iran and Azerbaijan.
Bayraktar told broadcaster: "Russia imposed restrictions on diesel exports in recent months when they started experiencing this problem. Now they reached a diesel deal with Trump... Through the talks we held, we will take some of that diesel to Turkey."
What is the US-Russia deal? After Oct 9 phone call between Trump and Putin, Trump announced understanding to let Russian diesel flow to world markets to ease diesel prices blamed on Ukraine striking Russian refineries. US Treasury authorized transactions for sale, delivery and import of Russian-origin diesel through April 7, 2027. Russian Deputy PM Alexander Novak said buyers beyond US interested.
Why Turkey matters: Turkey is a major importer of Russian diesel despite sanctions elsewhere. Bayraktar said in Moscow Energy Week interview: "Türkiye is a major importer of diesel from Russia. Therefore, opening up this area is important for our supply security." Turkey also relies on Russia for natural gas, over 600 bcm since first gas deal Feb 14, 1986. This year marks 40th anniversary of cooperation. Bayraktar met Gazprom CEO Alexey Miller Oct 16 to discuss gas infrastructure.
Ankara is balancing. It wants to diversify via US LNG long-term deals and Black Sea gas. On Saturday, Turkey sent first floating gas platform Osman Gazi to Black Sea to double Sakarya field output from 9.5 mcm to 20 mcm daily (7.3 bcm annually). Second platform coming Q1 2028 to raise total to 45 mcm daily, covering 3 of 4 homes.
Criticism: Zelensky, EU officials and some Republicans criticized US-Russia diesel deal as funding Russian war machine while US urges energy ceasefire.
FAQ
Will Turkey buy Russian diesel under US-Russia deal?
Yes. Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar confirmed Sunday Turkey will get some of that diesel.
How much diesel will Turkey get?
Not specified. Bayraktar did not elaborate on volume or terms.What is US-Russia diesel deal?
Trump-Putin agreement Oct 9 to allow Russian diesel exports to global markets to lower prices. US Treasury authorized imports until April 7, 2027.Why does Turkey need Russian diesel?
Turkey is dependent on Russian oil products, gas, plus Iran and Azerbaijan. Diesel imports are key for energy security.Is this against sanctions?
US has temporarily authorized Russian diesel transactions. Turkey is not in EU and maintains energy trade with Russia while seeking US LNG diversification.Also read this: https://afterpostint.com/post/h2-strong-us-resumes-intel-sharing-with-ukraine-after-3-day-pause-strong-h2